Yes, if you go to a specialist shop, where all the dresses are expensive, they are v likely to walk out with an expensive one and not want the £35 version that’s online.
I think that sometimes parents don’t think through budget first but just say ‘let’s go and look’at a specialist bridal/prom shop. Then it’s v. difficult to walk away and go for the cheaper option.
Work out a rough budget first then identify the kind of places in that budget. Those are the places to go and not elsewhere.
For people wanting to see dresses, big Monsoons (or online) have lots and they have good sales. Quiz have some big branches too. John Lewis have good evening wear and have good sales on now.
Of course those wanting to spend mega bucks can do so. I think the Prom for Yr11 is a relatively new thing, whereas a Leavers Ball at 18 often existed before. At 18 many have become a bit more sensible, but at 16, for some it really is about bling, fake tans and spending mega bucks and telling everyone what your dress cost, that seems to count. In my mind, really they are a bit young and like the Leavers Hoody working it’s way down to primary schools etc, by doing stuff too young, you lose the specialness of doing it at a more appropriate age. But it might be just me who thinks that and anyway Yr11 Proms are here to stay now.
For anyone feeling pushed towards the expensive dress who isn’t comfortable really, just know that there are heaps of dresses out there under £100 and under £50. Any girl going in one of those won’t look out of place or fail to have a good time.